Nimrod

Fact sheet

Name: Nimrod
Gender: Boy name
Syllables: 2

Nimrod (נִמְרֹד) is a male first name of biblical and Hebrew origin, with its exact origin remaining unclear. The meaning of the name is often associated with 'the rebel,' 'the insurgent,' or 'the lord of barley.'

What does the name Nimrod mean?

The first name Nimrod (נִמְרֹד) has its roots in the biblical Hebrew language and is not clearly defined. It is translated as 'the rebel,' 'the insurgent,' or 'the lord of barley.' The origin may lie in the ancient Hebrew word marád (מרד) meaning 'to rebel' or in the Assyrian-Babylonian god name Ninurta (𒀭𒊩𒌆𒅁), which is interpreted in Sumerian as 'the lord of barley.' Ninurta was a significant deity in ancient Mesopotamia associated with agriculture, hunting, and war. In the Old Testament, Nimrod is mentioned as the son of Cush and the great-grandson of Noah and is regarded as a prominent hunter ('the mighty hunter'). The Hungarian variant of the name is Nimród, while Nebrod is an alternative form. There is also an ancient fortress in northern Israel that bears this name. In English, 'Nimrod' is sometimes used as a derogatory term for 'fool.'

Where does the name Nimrod come from?

The origin of the name Nimrod is both ancient Hebrew and Sumerian in nature, with the meaning 'the rebel' underlying it. The ancient Hebrew root marád (מרד) means 'to rebel,' while Ninurta (𒀭𒊩𒌆𒅁) means 'the lord of barley' in Sumerian. The name is rooted in biblical Hebrew.

How do you pronounce Nimrod?

The pronunciation of Nimrod is two syllables and distinct. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'NIM-rod' [ˈnɪmʁɔt], with the short 'I' forming a compact onset. The combination of the consonants 'mr' creates a dense sound effect. The ending '-rod' sounds full and deep. Overall, the name Nimrod conveys a powerful and present effect - robust, clear, and with resonant depth.

Popularity

In Germany, the name Nimrod enjoys great popularity. Currently, it ranks 2,655th on the list of the most common male first names. Nimrod achieved its best ranking in 2022 at 1,974th place. In the last ten years, the name has been given about 90 times, earning it a rank of 2,584th during that period. From 2010 to 2024, it is ranked 3,067th.

Nicknames & pet names

Nimi

Similar first names

Nim

Famous people

Nimrod (fifth studio album by the American punk band 'Green Day')
Nimrod David Pfeffer (Israeli writer)
Nimród E. Antal (Hungarian director)
Nimrod Greenwood (Australian rower)
Nimrod Kamer (English writer)
Nimrod Megiddo (Israeli mathematician)
Nimrod Ping (architect from England)
Nimrod Zviran (Israeli swimmer)

Frequently asked questions about the name Nimrod

What is the origin of the name Nimrod?

The name Nimrod has both ancient Hebrew and Sumerian roots. It derives from the Hebrew word 'marád,' which means 'to rebel,' and is also associated with the Sumerian god name Ninurta, which means 'the lord of barley.'

What does the first name Nimrod mean?

Nimrod is often translated as 'the rebel,' 'the insurgent,' or 'the lord of barley.' In the Old Testament, he is regarded as a prominent hunter and is mentioned as the son of Cush and the great-grandson of Noah.

How popular is the name Nimrod?

The popularity of the name Nimrod varies greatly by region. In some cultures, it is less common, while in others, particularly in Hungary, it is recognized as a traditional name.